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Inside JVP: An Interview with Alex Giannattasio by Ben Kharakh
JVP Co-founder and former editor-in-chief Alex Giannattasio might be studying law in DC, but his presence is always felt at the Johnsonville– whether it be in his comments, guidance, or ever-growing legacy as a contributor. And while this Q and A isn’t the same as having Alex around full time, it’ll have to hold you over for now.
Shenanigans in the Doctor’s Office ~ Brian Connolly
Buzz Lightyear. Balloons. And babies. What do the three of these things have in common? They all start with the letter “B”. Also, they were all present with me in my doctor’s waiting room. It would be best if I explained.
JVP Speaks: Giving to Charity
Peter Singer spoke at Rutgers last week, giving his renowned talk on donating to charities. In this weeks JVP Speaks, the Johnsonville sounds off on the event and the argument.
Beyond Terrorism ~ Bilal Ahmed
The last three and a half weeks have been incredibly stressful, and I am sure those readers who are familiar with the recent controversies facing BAKA: Students United for Middle Eastern Justice can understand why. BAKA is a secular and political campus organization that attempts to combat injustices by raising awareness of those injustices currently taking place in the Middle East and its Diasporas. While I am a member of BAKA’s executive board, this article conveys opinions that belong to me as an individual rather than the group as a whole.
JVP Speaks: Nature vs. Nurture
Through out human history people have been discussing the true nature of ‘human nature’, whether we are intrinsically good, bad, or just a blank slate. Taking into account the schools of thought relating to human nature as well as your own personal experiences, what do you think is the true nature of ‘human nature’?
Blog Spotlight: Chris Guillebeau and the Art of Non-conformity by Marlana Moore
I have had an uncertain relationship with “non-conformity” since high school. In my early teens, I thought non-conformity could be found in Hot Topic, that scary looking shop in the mall. I shake my head thinking about the babysitting dollars I drained on plastic jelly bracelets and mass produced t-shirts. I used their “weird” and “different” clothing to express a certain discomfort with myself, because I didn’t want to fit in with everybody else.
Inside JVP: An Interview with Dan Bracaglia by Ben Kharakh
If a picture’s worth a thousand words, then a prize or two wouldn’t do their quality any justice. Although I doubt that sentiment makes Dan Bracaglia think any less of all the critical praise and awards his photography has earned him throughout the years. Whether it’s with the Targum, his photoblogs, or elsewhere, Dan’s web and print presence makes an indelible impression: this guy is going places. And in this Q and A, JVP’s former photography editor looks back on where he’s going, where he’s at, and the path he’s been on along the way.
JVP Speaks: What is Civic Duty?
Project Civility is in full swing at Rutgers, whether you noticed it or not. The initiative’s aim is to get people to ask questions about what it means to be part of a community, about how people should treat one another, and what can be done to improve the quality of people’s treatment of others. Of course, the whole initiative is voluntary rather than mandatory, which means that, chances are, one likely won’t be prompted to participate in Project Civility in one’s day to day. At the very least, I’ve yet to be prompted, so I figured that I’d prompt myself and my fellow JVPers to participate ourselves with this week’s question: Should America have a notion of civic duty if it doesn’t already? Why or why not? If so, what should it entail?
Inside JVP: An Interview with Brendan Kaplan by Ben Kharakh
Brendan Kaplan fascinates me (as one can tell by the length of this interview). I find his history intriguing and his views intellectually stimulating, and this Q and A showcases quite well why that is. Years teaching tap and hip-hop, a high school where the students can suspend the teachers, a steadfast commitment to honesty, housing a paranoid schizophrenic; these are just some of the things that make Brendan Kaplan Brendan Kaplan.
Inside JVP: An Interview with Marlana Moore by Ben Kharakh
Marlana Moore is the sort of staff member one wants to have: dedicated, enthusiastic, and capable and willing to write on any issue. She brought this same spirit to our Q and A, asking me as many questions as I asked her! And while I was pulled partway under the spotlight, Marlana remains at center stage, which is good news since she has plenty to say and a unique way to say it.
